THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, May 14, 1938. “FOUNDER’S DAY”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23500, 14 May 1938, Page 12

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, May 14, 1938. “FOUNDER’S DAY”

The Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children, generally known as the Plunket Society, has, in the inauguration of “Founder’s Day,” chosen an anniversary which honours the great originator of its work in a manner that would have been highly appreciated by him. It was in Dunedin on May 14, 1907, that the Plunket Society was established, and the people of this city may very pardonably feel a certain pride that a movement of so much national importance received its first impetus from the enthusiasm and support of this community, From its small beginnings it has, in the short space of three decades, grown to be a Dominionwide organisation, recognised by the State, and of international reputation. The change in the circumstances of infant and maternal welfare which has been brought about principally through the enlightened teachings and practical assistance rendered in the critical stages of motherhood by the society is little short of astounding. Statistics, which show that the infant death rate in New Zealand has been reduced, since the year of the society’s foundation, from 88 deaths in a thousand births to 31—the lowest in the world—provide an indication of the social revolution accomplished by Sir Truby King and his willing helpers. But they do not adequately tell the full story. Apart from its success in reducing the mortality among both mothers and babies, the society has been responsible for assuring that every child receives throughout its infant life the best of scientific care, directed towards the building of a strong and virile race. Its influence in attending to the practical instruction of mothers in the wise essentials that will provide the young with the best start in life is incalculable and far-reaching. In a great number of homes in the Dominion, or at its consulting rooms in all the branch centres, the advice and assistance of the society’s nurses have been made available, without fee, to all who solicit them. It requires no effort of imagination on the part of the public to realise that the comprehensive and widespread service provided by the society cannot be maintained without very considerable funds, and for its revenues it is necessarily dependent upon the people of New Zealand, either in the form of direct contributions or in that of State subsidy. The most suitable method of obtaining funds, since it allows the society to prepare its budget with reasonable accuracy, is that of yearly subscription. Unfortunately the present number of annual subscribers is not as large as it might be expected to be. Certainly it is in no way representative of the body of New Zealanders who have reason to be grateful for the services of the society. It is proposed, therefore, that “ Founder’s Day ” shall be made the occasion for an appeal for the enlistment of additional subscribers, prepared to contribute the modest sum of five shillings a year, or any larger amount, for the maintenance and development of the society’s work. Among the praiseworthy causes to which the public is invited to subscribe that of the welfare of mothers and children is undoubtedly pre-eminent, and the first “ Founder’s Day ” appeal offers an opportunity of at once paying tribute to Sir Truby King and furthering the noble task which he undertook.